2021 Program

Participate in intimate, off-record roundtable discussions based on your business interests, moderated by industry experts and Phocuswright analysts. Learn More

More than a year after COVID-19 shutdowns and restrictions began impacting countries around the world, the travel industry is on the road to recovery and people are eager to start traveling again. The time is now for travel brands and destinations to connect with travelers who are dreaming about, considering and even booking trips this year. During this session, Expedia Group Media Solutions will share the latest trends from Expedia Group’s exclusive first-party data and custom research, offering a high-level view of how traveler behaviors and sentiment are shifting.

It's a matter of when, not if the great travel rebound happens. Despite the fits and starts, there is palpable optimism in the industry as it looks to the future. Phocuswright sets the stage for what the shape of recovery will look like for an industry that looks very different to its pre-pandemic avatar.

Has the last year changed our values and norms, or are we headed right back to where we started from in 2019? Business travel won't survive, suppliers will gain share at the expense of OTAs, short-term rentals will rule the world, and subscriptions are a great new business model. Truth or bust? Industry pundits and stakeholders discuss the issues.

Is now the best time for hotels to push their direct booking strategies and loyalty programs with customers? Or will they need intermediaries more than ever as they reboot? How and when to engage with your distribution partners post-pandemic is debated.

The return of business travel has been debated ad nauseum, but there is agreement on this: changes in corporate programs, mandates and approvals will either slow - or accelerate - travel's return. Which way will it be, and what will the new corporate travel world look like in 2022 and beyond?

Will a greater emphasis on healing planet earth really impact travel destinations and decisions? And what is the role and responsibility of travel companies as they reposition themselves and their offerings? Explore the conflict of recovery and sustainability in this session.

Subscriptions are in the spotlight as travel companies explore new options or reinvent themselves for travelers and business partners. But how sustainable is the subscription model and do travelers really want to pay?

A recap and commentary on the highlights of the day's sessions.

Grab a cocktail and take a break from business (or not) with your newfound friends from across the industry.